I Felt A Sharp Cramp. I Knew As I Held My Firstborn Child I Was Losing My Second

The Queen and other members of the Royal Family have expressed their sadness after the Duchess of Sussex revealed she had suffered a miscarriage, losing her second child with husband Prince Harry.

- Amy-Clare Martin

Meghan, 39, said her miscarriage in the summer brought her unbearable grief, and left Harry, 36, “holding the shattered pieces” of her heart.

Bereavement experts said the revelation, published in a candid article in the New York Times, sent a powerful message to other mothers, and would help break the stigma around what is often an “invisible loss”.

The Queen, 94, and Royal Family were said to be united in their grief for Harry and Meghan. A palace insider said: “ There is, of course, much understandable sadness in the family.”

Earl Spencer, brother of Harry’s late mother Princess Diana, offered his sympathies to his nephew and Meghan, telling ITV’s Lorraine: “I can’t imagine the agony for any couple of losing a child in this way. It’s so very, very sad. And, of course, I totally agree with you, all thoughts with them today.”

Sophie King, a midwife at the charity Tommy’s, paid tribute to Meghan’s bravery for sharing her story.

She said: “One in four pregnancies ends in loss, but it’s a real taboo in society, so mothers like Meghan sharing their stories is a vital step in breaking down that stigma and shame.

GRIEVE

“Meghan’s essay praises the bravery of parents who share their stories, and those who prefer to grieve privately can still find comfort and connection in reading about others’ experiences.”

In the article, Meghan, who quit royal duties earlier this year for a new life in California with Harry, told how she had felt a sharp pain while caring for their 17-month-old son Archie.

She wrote: “After changing his diaper, I felt a sharp cramp.